An apparently monumental mistake by Ricky Ponting electing to bat first on a wicket that was more green than the Incredible Hulk turned out to be a masterstoke. That said, there were certainly whisperings in the crowd of a great escape as Pakistan stole defeat from the jaws of victory.The first day of the test was delayed due to heavy rain. Once play resumed at around 2.30pm, Australia sought to establish a healthy 1st innings score. However, things did not go according to plan. After Australia's meagre first innings score of 127 (http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/current/match/406200.html), it was clear for all to see that the swing ghosts of ashes past were still shamefully evident. Sami and Asif, with the significant aid of humid and overcast conditions, swung, cut and ripped through the Australian lineup within 45 overs. In short, Australia's bastmen handled swing like a child handles astrophysics.
Were it not for the batting of Watson and Hussey (with arguably the support of Siddle) and the bowling of Hauritz in the respective 2nd innings there is no doubt that Australia would not have prevailed. To Australia's credit, they applied immense pressure in the field and held the catches that ultimately helped them get over the line.
Australia was significantly helped in its push for victory by impatient Pakistani batsmen who appeared to be set on sightseeing on the 5th day rather than patiently seeing through the achievable 176 runs. Many commentators have said that the age of 20/20 cricket is upon us and influencing young players emerging onto the test arena. This was evident in how the Pakistanis approached the final run chase. Had they applied the tortoise versus the hare approach it is likely that they would have coasted home. After all, they had a day and a half to make the runs.
As I was exiting the SCG at the end of day 4, I could've sworn that I heard someone whistling the tune from The Great Escape. Then, when I saw a cardboard cutout of Steve McQueen on his famous motorbike from the same movie, it was clear that I was not alone in thinking that Australia was lucky and perhaps Ponting was vindicated in his election to bat first in bowling friendly conditions.
Next, the test series moves to Hobart for the third and final test where it will be interesting to see whether:
1. Pakistan can recover from what must be a mentally damaging loss and avoid a whitewash;
2. Kamran Akmal has done some much needed glovework to limit the large number of his dropped catches (3 off Hussey alone in his 2nd innings century) during the test match. Interestingly, it has been suggested that former Australian great Ian Healy, has offered his services to improve Akmal's glovework;
3. North and Hughes survive a the selector's knife;
4. Ponting can score some much needed runs whilst at the same time putting away his beloved pull shot which has been his downfall on at least three occasions this summer; and
5. Watson (aka 'Get Smart' due to his regular scores between 86 and 99) can finally convert good scores into centuries.
